Lescott unhappy with Moyes claims

Defender Joleon Lescott has rejected the criticism he received from Everton boss David Moyes during the build-up to his transfer to Manchester City.

Moyes claimed the 27-year-old England player showed "poor attitude" before sanctioning the move to Eastlands in a deal thought to be worth about £22m.

"I was disappointed in the comments," said Lescott.

"I feel they were inaccurate. I'd like to address them at a later date and talk more positively about my move."

Lescott missed much of Everton's pre-season campaign after revealing his desire to leave Goodison Park but was cheered every time he touched the ball in the 2-1 friendly victory over Malaga on 7 August.

He played 90 minutes in the Toffees' 6-1 home defeat by Arsenal on the opening day of the Premier League season but was then dropped for their Europa League match against Sigma Olomouc.

"I don't think I disrespected any of the players - if I did I apologise," said Lescott. "I had a good rapport with the fans. I like to think they respect what I did, I gave my all.

"I know it wasn't my finest game for Everton (against Arsenal). It was a collective effort and obviously Arsenal were better than us on the day.

"Now I'm looking forward to doing my all for Man City."

The 6ft 2in defender has signed a five-year contract with City and his arrival takes their summer spending to more than £120m.

He joined Everton from Wolves for £5m in 2006 and signed a new four-year deal in March 2008.

Lescott, who becomes the second most expensive English defender after Rio Ferdinand, is expected to form a central defensive partnership with fellow new signing Kolo Toure and could make his City debut against Portsmouth on Sunday.

"I wouldn't say the decision was easy but it didn't take me long to decide," he said. "At this moment in time, my ambition and the club's are similar.

Everyone outside top four are aiming for the same thing - I think Man City are better equipped to do that quicker than Everton and that's why I'm here

Jolean Lescott

"The money doesn't mean anything to the players - we just want to be part of something successful here.

"Everyone outside top four are aiming for the same thing. I think Man City are better equipped to do that quicker than Everton and that's why I'm here."

Of his fitness, Lescott added: "I'm not rusty, I'm sure when I get out there I'll get straight back into it. I'll train today and see where it goes."

The arrival of Lescott could pave the way for club captain Richard Dunne's departure from the City of Manchester Stadium, with Aston Villa reportedly keen on the Republic of Ireland international.

While admitting that every player has their price, City manager Mark Hughes said: "As we stand today Richard Dunne is the captain, that goes without saying.

"There's bound to be interest, I'm in no doubt that we'll get calls in relation to Richard and other players. My remit is to make the club stronger and that's what we're trying to do.

Hughes, who also unveiled new signing Sylvinho, was relieved that his lengthy pursuit of Lescott had finally come to an end.

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Hughes has no regrets over Lescott pursuit

"We're delighted to welcome Joleon to the club," said the Welshman. "It was a long process to acquire Joleon. These are two players who are very hungry for success.

"Joleon is arguably the best centre-half in the Premier League and can be for many years to come. He was key to what we were trying to do.

"I was really keen to bring him here and we're looking forward to many years together."

Moyes described City's pursuit of Lescott as "disgusting", but Hughes insisted they have gone about their business in the correct manner.

Aside from Lescott and Sylvinho, City have also recruited Kolo Toure, Gareth Barry, Carlos Tevez, Roque Santa Cruz and Emmanuel Adebayor this summer.

"I'm happy how the club has dealt with the process of bringing Joleon to the club and now we're looking positively to the future," he said.

"This is the beginning of something special and that's why we're able to attract these type of players. They realise very quickly what we're trying to do.

"We've probably done in two windows what is normally done over a long period of time. But we wanted to do it quickly and this has been a fantastic window for us.

"The quality of players we've been able to bring in - physically and mentally - is great. We know there will be expectation on us but we now have players who will ensure we can compete at the top end of the Premier League."

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